2006 Geneva Motor Show Coverage by TCC
Team (2/19/2006)
Smart Turning a Corner?

Smart Brabus SBR
The Brabus SBR is set to become the next in a series of
niche products from the struggling smart division of Mercedes-Benz.The
racing-style spinoff of its forfour model boasts a 210-horsepower engine and a
top speed of 137 mph, a far cry from the DaimlerChrysler’s original two-seater,
which could barely keep up with inner city traffic. The SBR is the latest in a
series of projects resulting from a $1.3 billion restructuring of smart. During
an early morning preview at the Geneva Motor Show, officials noted that sales
slipped to 123,400 cars last year. CEO Ulrich Walker would not reveal specific
financial figures for smart, which are not broken out of DC’s overall numbers,
but he indicated the company’s performance last year was “more than previously
planned.” DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche separately noted that the German
automaker continues to study whether or not to launch the smart brand in the
U.S. , but no decision has been made.
AMG Rolls Out the Big
Guns

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG
AMG, the performance arm of
Mercedes-Benz, continued to roll out new, high-powered spin-offs at this year’s
Geneva show. At the top end of the range is the
SL65, a 612-horsepower version of the automaker’s SL sports car, featuring a
twin-turbo V-12 engine. The CLK63, meanwhile, features AMG’s new 6.3-liter V-8,
the first engine developed specifically by the tuner brand-within-a-brand. The
481-horsepower convertible will launch from 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds, noted AMG
chief Volker Mornhingweg.
Mercedes Going
Greener
While the German automaker
continues to use its AMG brand to target high-performance aficionados, Mercedes
is also making moves to appeal to environmentally sensitive buyers. It announced
plans to offer a “Bluetec” diesel in its new GL sport-utility vehicles,
promising that the SUV will be anywhere from 20 to 40 percent more
fuel-efficient than any comparable sport-ute offered in the
U.S. market. The
GL420 will still produce over 300 horsepower in
U.S.
trim.
Designed to reduce particulates and emissions of oxides of nitrogen, Bluetec
diesels, Mercedes boss and DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche insisted, “will be
the world’s cleanest.” Meanwhile, Mercedes is working on advanced,
direct-injection gasoline technology, noted Zetsche, including a 3.5-liter V-6
version of the CLS sedan. The technology is expected to cut fuel consumption by
about 10 to 12 percent, compared to a conventional gasoline engine. The CLS350
GDI will go on sale later this year in
Europe, though there are no plans,
currently, to bring the vehicle to the States.
Chrysler Hoping for Buzz
with Dodge Hornet

2006 Dodge Hornet concept
As it pushes to expand its
presence overseas, Chrysler is running into some serious challenges. It is
rolling out new diesel engines for products sold in
Europe, where the high-mileage engines now account for
roughly half of all sales. And now it is looking at opportunities in one of the
world’s fastest-growing product segments. Most manufacturers now compete in the
mini-car, or “B” segment, and the Dodge Hornet is an example of what Dodge may
bring to the market, chief designer Trevor Creed hinted during a Geneva Motor
Show preview. In the increasingly crowded segment, he cautioned, Chrysler can’t
bring out “just another B” car, so it is looking for a design that blends style
“with European space and sensibility.” The Hornet is a tall hatchback, a design
that minimizes the car’s footprint while increasing room for passengers and
cargo. About the same length as the typical B-car, the Hornet is as wide as a
larger C-segment vehicle and features half-doors for easier access to the rear
seat. The Hornet boasts a 170-horsepower version of the automaker 1.6-liter
in-line four. “Will we make such a product?” asked Chrysler Group CEO Tom
LaSorda. “We just might,” though he stressed that a final decision has not yet
been made.
Email This Page